Call for 'treason' probe into Andrew's Epstein links - as searches at ex-duke's former home continue

Searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home have continued for a fourth day - as a Conservative former security minister called for a "treason" probe into Andrew's links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Tom Tugendhat has suggested a parliamentary probe into Andrew and Peter Mandelson's links to Epstein, telling The Sun on Sunday: "This goes beyond what a court could reasonably consider. Parliament must consider what it means for the country.

"If the worst is proved, do we need to revisit treason laws written 700 years ago?"

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggested the UK government is open to taking further steps regarding the fallout from Andrew's arrest.

"We're not ruling anything out around this," she told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.

She also said the government would look "at any sensible proposals" when asked about the possibility of an independent judge-led inquiry.

But, Ms Phillipson added, the government would not be setting out further steps until police "have been able to do their work", with a live investigation under way.

Ms Phillipson confirmed the government will "keep available" the option of removing Andrew from the royal line of succession, plans which had emerged on Friday.

Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick will support a possible government bill to remove Andrew from the line of succession, he told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.

"If the government brings forward this bill with the support of the King, then we will back it," Mr Jenrick said.

He also said he was open to a parliamentary probe into both Andrew and Mr Mandelson, who is being investigated for potential misconduct in public office.

"The King serves this country extremely well," Mr Jenrick said but added that Andrew had "disgraced the Royal Family, and he's disgraced our country in the process".

"And whatever happens, whether he's ultimately prosecuted or not, he should now just go off, lead a private life and allow the King and the rest of the Royal Family to continue doing the good job that they do for us."

Read more: What exactly is misconduct in public office?

The Sunday Times reported Metropolitan Police officers assigned to Andrew were instructed to provide security for a dinner party at Epstein's residence in New ‌York in 2010.

The newspaper cited emails from the Epstein files that appear to detail arrangements for Andrew to stay with the ​late paedophile financier in December 2010, along ‌with his two protection officers from the Met Police.

Police ‌said they have not identified any wrongdoing by the protection officers at this stage.

Asked to respond to Sunday's reports, the Met Police said it had no further comment.

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Royal biographer and historian Andrew Morton told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips the fallout surrounding Andrew could have particularly grave consequences for the Royal Family because there is "no end in sight".

Mr Morton, who wrote a biography of the late Princess Diana, said there was very little the King could do to stop the fallout, as he publicly let the police lead on the matter, and there was now "blood seeping under the doorway on a regular basis".

Mr Morton said he expected police investigating Andrew would have looked at "the money trail" - including Sarah Ferguson borrowing money from Epstein.

"The money side of things will be, I would have thought, front and central in this investigation," he said.

Mr Morton added: "This is a turning moment for the monarchy."

Thames Valley Police has said the searches at Royal Lodge in Windsor would continue until Monday.

On Sunday, images showed cars with police officers still moving in and out of Royal Lodge, a few miles from Windsor Castle.

The former prince was arrested on Thursday, with Thames Valley Police later releasing a statement saying it had "arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office".

Andrew was released from the Aylsham police station after 11 hours of questioning.

Andrew has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

(c) Sky News 2026: Call for 'treason' probe into Andrew's Epstein links - as searches at ex-duke's former home continue